EU prepares visa exemption for Saudi Arabian citizens
Christophe Farnaud, the European Union's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, confirmed that efforts are underway to fully exempt Saudi citizens from short-term visa requirements.
This move would allow Saudi citizens to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 27 EU member states, without the need for an entry visa. The exemption would simplify travel for Saudi nationals, enabling them to visit the Schengen region without prior visa approval.
"Aiming to Strengthen Ties Between Peoples"
The changes mark a significant step towards facilitating travel between Saudi Arabia and Schengen countries. Farnaud noted that in April 2024, the European Commission had already approved new rules allowing citizens from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman to obtain multi-entry visas for up to five years, making short trips easier.
The EU official emphasized that these changes go beyond mere convenience, representing a key initiative to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote regular exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Europe. Farnaud also highlighted Saudi Arabia's growing openness to international tourism.
The new visa policy would enable Saudi citizens to travel multiple times to Europe over a five-year period with a single visa.
